PEARCY -- Lake Hamilton Junior High teachers recently led an activity for students to replicate the experience of the "Little Rock Nine," a group of African-American students who attended Little Rock Central High School after it was integrated in 1957.
Freshman classes under the direction of April Geraci, Ashley Kincannon, Susan Scott and Deedra Stofer studied the novel, "Warriors Don't Cry," by Melba Pattillo Beals, one of the Little Rock Nine. Beals was 16 years old in 1957.
Students read several chapters each week and reviewed with reading comprehension quizzes. They designed a newspaper to depict the time period.
Library media specialist Jill Heard and Geraci wrote a grant for the entire freshman class to visit the Little Rock Nine Museum, tour Central, view the statues, visit the Arkansas State Capitol and see the Arkansas State Treasury.
Students participated in a mock school board hearing. Administrators, staff and members of the current Lake Hamilton School District Board of Directors served as members of the board for the hearing.
In preparation, students considered the mindset of individuals in 1956 and tried to devise reasons why specific groups would oppose integration. The students said the exercise was difficult. The teachers said they wanted it to be difficult.
Students wrote arguments opposing integration and cited evidence. Students were chosen based on their preparation, willingness to speak and enthusiasm for the assignment.
Civics teachers Jennifer Barton and Jon Goff had their classes make signs and exercised their right to peacefully protest against integration as the groups entered the administration building.
School on 11/29/2015